A Method of Inquiry

The naturalistic outlook is first and foremost a commitment to a distinctive method of inquiry. The term inquiry refers to the evaluation of belief claims, many of which are largely unexamined in contemporary society-particularly basic beliefs. Many modern thinkers have argued that we should examine our beliefs and theories carefully and assent only to those for which there are adequate grounds. Wherever possible, inquiry should provide rational guidelines for thought and conduct[1]. Skepticism is an essential aspect in this process of inquiry, and it contributed to the development of reliable knowledge. It is used effectively within the sciences. The basic premise is that we need to question our beliefs, particularly those that are central to life, to see if they are well grounded by reason and evidence. We do so in order to advance human knowledge and enhance life. Bertrand Russell held "that it is undesirable to believe a proposition when there is no ground whatever for supposing it true." He thought that this doctrtine appears to many people to be "widely paradoxical and subversive," for if consistently applied it would overturn some of the most cherished beliefs and sacred cows of society[2]. At the very least, one might agree with Russell's recommendations:

  1. we should not accept a belief as true if there is a preponderance of evidence against it, or if it is found to be rationally inconsistent with other well-founded beliefs, or both. To cling to beliefs for which there are abundant evidence and reasons to the contrary is irrational. Another application of this rule is reasonable, that is,
  2. that we ought not to accept a belief as true if there is inadequate evidence and insufficient reasons to do so, and conversely,
  3. we should accept a belief claim only if it is based on adequately justifying reasons and sufficient evidence. A corollary of this is that
  4. where we do not have adequate grounds for believing that something is the case, then we should, wherever possible, adopt the stance of the skeptic and suspend judgment. Reason also dictates that
  5. we should always leave the doors open to further inquiry; we should not censor or block the objective examination of truth claims, and any belief claim that is accepted on adequate reasons and evidence should not be insulated from further inquiry.

Notes

  1. The term "inquiry" was used by both Charles Peirce (1839-1914) and John Dewey (1859-1952), two leading American philosophers who maintained that it should be interpreted functionally by its relevance to the solutions of human problems. Both held that the methods of science are the most effective ways of fixing beliefs.
  2. Bertrand Russell, Skeptical Essays. London: Allen and Unwin, 1928, p. 11. W. K. Clifford, English mathematician and philosopher, in his influential essay, "The Ethics of Belief," makes a bolder statement: "It is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone," he said, "to believe anything upon insufficient evidence." This latter injunction of Clifford is no doubt too sweeping; for it is sometimes difficult in ordinary life, if not impossible, to examine all of our beliefs and to reject those that do not meet this rigorous criterion. W. K. Clifford, Contemporary Review, 1888. See his Ethics of Belief and Other Essays (London: Watts, 1947).